Stages of love Psychology

A study has claimed to have mapped out the five stages of a relationship[GETTY]

The research gives a comprehensive list of the symptoms of what are dubbed the five stages of love.

Symptoms of the first state – known as "butterflies" – include a dramatic increase in libido, a drop in weight and an overall lack of productivity.

Meanwhile, stage two – dubbed "building" – sees the release of chemicals that replicate the highs of Class A DRUGS, the research claims.

The study from eHarmony asked 1, 393 British adults currently in love to take part in an online survey.

Psychologist Dr Linda Papadopoulos, who assisted with the research, said: "Shaped via a mixture of physical and emotional indicators, it's fascinating to note that this one core emotion can be broken down into such distinct stages.

"What's more, each stage may be relived and recaptured as couples grow into a relationship, and face different life challenges together."

The couples filled with questions about how the relationship impacted various aspects of their lives.

Symptoms of the first state – known as "butterflies" – include a dramatic increase in libido [GETTY]

Each stage may be relived and recaptured as couples grow into a relationship, and face different life challenges together

From this data, experts estimate that of the 33million Britons currently in a relationship, two per cent - some 588, 000 people - were found to be in stage one, or "butterflies".

Ten per cent of Britons in love are believed to be in stage three – "assimilation".

This stage is characterised by a spiral in stress levels and an anxious re-evaluation of your significant other and whether he or she is right for you.

According to the research, things don't improve much in stage four – "honesty" – which is triggered by a greater openness in the relationship which breeds feeling of doubt and increased vulnerability.

Finally comes "stability" where levels of trust and intimacy reach their deepest point.

More than half of all Britons in love are residing comfortably in stage five.

Biologically, vasopressin - a powerful hormone released by men and women during orgasm - is released to strengthen feelings of attachment between partners whilst oxytocin - a hormone released during childbirth - deepens the mutual feelings of attachment.

While all five stages are intricately and clearly defined, researchers have noted that life events can impact an individual's progression.

For example, new parents often regress back to "assimilation" as they slowly come to terms with how their new arrival will change and shape everyday life.

Source: www.express.co.uk

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